In an 2010 published by the U.K Press Association, stroke victim Graham Miles concentrated on breathing to stay alive in face of total paralysis. Miles recalls that his first reaction to the stroke was to concentrate on his diaphragm to breath effectively and stay alive until he reached help. Breathing is essential for life and people use different kinds of breathing exercises to attain specific goals.
Increase Oxygen Blood Levels
According to the University of Missouri Center on Aging Studies, the aging process and normal breathing habits in humans can lead to a 20 percent reduction in oxygen blood levels. Aging and breathing habits contribute to stiff muscles in and around the rib cage that make it more difficult to breath deeply. These weak muscles prevent fresh oxygen from reaching the blood stream, because inefficient breaths trap stale air in the lungs. Poor posture and weak muscles can lead to rapid shallow breathing that may contribute to poor oxygen supply, respiratory disease, sluggishness and heart disease. The Center on Aging Studies recommends breathing exercises to offset the effects of the aging process and increase blood oxygen levels.
Suppress Anxiety
According to Dr. Andrew Weil, a medical doctor and integrative medicine pioneer, breathing exercises like the Four-Seven-Eight or Relaxing Breath exercise can help suppress stress responses in the body. The Relaxing Breath exercise helps tranquilize the nervous system. Tranquilizing medications may lose effectiveness with continuous use, but breathing exercises like the Relaxing Breath become more effective with practice. Weil recommends performing this kind of exercise twice a day every day. He recommends using the same technique to help you fall asleep, alleviate internal tension and before reacting to stressful situations.
Stimulate
Some breathing exercises may help stimulate circulation in the body. According to an article on Yoga International's website by yoga instructor, Michael Grady, breathing exercises like Bellows Breath, Stimulating Breath and diaphragmatic breathing boost overall health and vitality. The Bellows Breath heats up the body by stimulating blood flow throughout the cardiovascular system. Bellows breathing draws air in and pushes it out of the lungs with the abdominal and diaphragm muscles. According to Grady, the Bellows Breath enhances blood circulation throughout digestive organs and increases digestive capacity.
Voice
Vocalists and singers use breathing exercise to enhance vocal abilities. According to vocal coach Tracy Howard-Baker's Vocalist website, learning to sing involves learning to breath correctly and control breathing. A vocalist sings by drawing air into her lungs and controlling the air that she expels while singing a note. Singers learn to control the muscular system that supports gradual release of air in the lungs. According to Howard-Baker, healthy breathing during singing and vocalizing requires good posture, abdominal breathing and breathing during natural pauses.
